2nd century/2nd anniversary..Century for the Cure

[easterbird]

Yesterday I did my second century near my second anniversary of starting to bike and it was brutal. A field of 60 riders started about 7 am.

The route was same as last year's with 4500' of climbing circling from Warren,NJ to Three Bridges,NJ and back. However, the temps were in mid 90's w heat index in high 90's. Plus I'm a year older(59.75 but who's counting ). I planned to better last year's avg(14.6) and had a number all picked out....15.6mph. However, it wasn't to be. During the 4 th leg (miles 60-80) the route had no shade, it was ~1 pm already and the temp on my bike read 100(asphalt + no shade,I'm sure) but it's what I was feeling and it wasn't good. I felt nauseous and really wanted to quit. When I made the stop, my BF and best friends were there. I made my announcement as I struggled off the bike. "Biking is supposed to be fun and this isn't fun anymore!!",I said.

After 15 mins,a banana w pnut butter,vitamin drink and shade, I talked to the man whose research benefited from our ride at Cancer Institute of NJ. He was hurting,lightheaded,bloody feet from blisters... especially because he HADN"T been riding for months due to heavy schedule. He was thinking about dropping out,too.

Well we teamed up and finished!!! we stopped every 5 miles or so on the last leg but we did it at 12.7 mph.

I'm so proud that I didn't quit. Riding in as a team to our cheering volunteers was worth a lot. I realized during this ride that pushing myself to raise money for cancer patients wasn't about fun. On any given day, many people are diagnosed with cancer but can't say...not today, it's too hot or no thanks, I'm too tired. I guess we all have to deal with more than we think we can handle to find out what we are about. Sorry for the philosophy but those miles gave me time to think about more than the scenery.

Thanks for listening

Here's the information for anyone interested. Contributions can still be made. last name is easter if you want to use that or a donation can be made w/o.

www.centuryforthecure.com

[Tri Girl]

Sounds like you had a tough day out there. I'm so proud of you for continuing on and not stopping. Your philosophy is right on- makes you really appreciate what being in good health feels like (although you weren't feeling stellar at the time). I'm glad you found someone to ride in with, and that you finished strong.
Congrats!!!!

[SouthernBelle]

Sounds like a tough ride. Good job.